THE Alzheimer’s Society is setting up a new project in Wellington called Side by Side, aimed at people with dementia living at home.

The charity wants people in the town and surrounding areas to get involved in the project which seeks to help individuals with dementia carry on doing the things they enjoy. 

Katherine Pratt, deputy manager of the Alzheimer’s Society’s Side by Side service in Somerset, said: “This new service focuses on enabling people with dementia to lead more fulfilling lives and to continue to take part in the activities they have always enjoyed and try new ones.

“We need more volunteers to enable people with dementia to stay connected and help to reduce feelings of loneliness that may be felt after a diagnosis.”

Side by Side is a free service which provides one-to one support, making it easier for people with dementia, who might sometimes feel isolated or find it difficult to leave their homes, remain active and feel part of their local community.

Katherine added: “By doing things like going for a walk, to a football match or joining a local class together, our volunteers support people with dementia to take up hobbies and get out and about. What they do together is entirely based on what the person with dementia wants.

“Volunteers are crucial to the success of this service and can be any age. Volunteering could range from providing support once a week to once a fortnight at a time that works for the volunteer and person with dementia.

“It might be taking a walk in the park, a visit to a cafe or a chat over the phone – sounds simple but it can make a huge difference to someone’s life.”

A survey by the Alzheimer’s Society found 40 per cent of people with dementia in England, Wales and Northern Ireland have felt lonely recently.

There is strong evidence that life satisfaction in general for older people is linked with levels of activity. Social activity and social support are thought to be directly related to better physical and cognitive function and help slow down the rate of decline.

The charity wants every person with dementia in England, Wales and Northern Ireland to have the opportunity to access Side by Side by 2017.

Anyone interested in becoming a volunteer should phone the charity’s Langport office on 01458 251541 for more details. Training will be provided so that volunteers are confident about carrying out the role.

Volunteering provides a great opportunity to learn new skills, share your hobby with others and enhance your CV, in addition to supporting a person to live more independently with dementia.